I don’t recommend judging a ski by its graphics, but when it comes to the Head Kore it applies. With an almost iridescent logo that hides in most lighting conditions and a stealthy dark, graphic-less top deck, the Kore line of three skis looked big mountain bad ass. Like they could charge the biggest terrain and nuke a groomer. In 93, 105 and 117 waist widths I anticipated it would be a all mountain, freeskiing monster. And that’s just what Ski Canada testers reported.
All the reviews came in the same: gushing about normally impossible attribute combinations. Light but stable. Edge hold and floatation. Damp and lively. How can one ski do it all? It comes down to four years of figuring out the right construction.
Karuba wood
The heart of this ski is a Karuba, an exotic wood that’s light and stiff.
Koroyd
This is a hexagon structure. The hexagon shape is strong and all the air means its light too. Head cut out a rectangle in the Karuba wood core under the foot for the Koroyd to sit in. It reduces weight and helps absorb vibration.
Carbon
Next they laid a sheet of carbon fibre to stiffen the ski further and bridge the edges, creating torsional rigidity that translates into edge bite.
Grephene
One of the strongest materials in skiing, this carbon derivative is used at the tip and tail. It lightens the ends of the ski for easier pivoting and allows Head to go with a thinner ski for better float.
Top sheet
One of the most innovative features is the polyester top sheet. The fleecy material is far lighter than the usual top sheet material, cutting weight. And it looks and feels cool too.
Take it all together and the Kore skis are much lighter than other skis in their respective waist width categories. They’re even lighter than some dedicated backcountry skis. Yet, handy hard packed, chopped up, moguls and more in bounds conditions like much heavier skis.
Another important attribute is that each size has its own unique shape. The 93’s sidecut starts right near the tip for easier hook ups in hard snow, while the widest point of the ski moves further back on the 105 for a more forgiving ride in crusty snow and even further for optimal float in the big mountain slaying 117.
Overall, the Head Kore is one of the most versatile and powerful lightweight skis we’ve tried. Any advanced to expert skier, whether in the east or the west, should take it for a spin.
RYAN REPORT is a frequent web post by Ski Canada magazine’s technical editor, Ryan Stuart.
